As more and more businesses across the industrial world pledge to reduce their environmental impact, it’s crucial to find ways to make your practices more eco-friendly.
One simple and effective way to do this is to replace HFC (hydrofluorocarbon) spray foam with its improved HFO (hydrofluoroolefin) counterpart. In this blog, we’ll explain the many reasons why HFO-based formulas are an upgrade for your insulation needs.
Phasing Out HFC and Introducing HFO
According to the Climate & Clean Air Coalition (CCAC), HFCs are a group of synthetic gases primarily used for cooling and refrigeration – including insulation. HFCs have been commercialized as an active ingredient in spray foam insulation since the 1990s. They remained a top seller for decades due to their highly effective insulating abilities.
However, research has found that HFC formulas create a profoundly adverse effect on the environment. A study conducted by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change from 2010-2019 found that “HFCs currently represent around 2% of total greenhouse gases, [and] their impact on global warming can be hundreds to thousands of times greater than that of carbon dioxide (CO2) per unit of mass.” The CCAC estimated that HFCs can warm the planet up to 3,790 times as much as CO2 over a 20-year period.
Governments around the world were compelled to take action. In the U.S., Congress passed the American Innovation and Manufacturing (AIM) Act in December 2020. The bill directs the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to phase down HFC production and consumption by 85% by 2036.
As of 2022, HFC usage was still increasing by over 10%. In response, the EPA took a huge step to meet their AIM Act directive in 2023 by finalizing the Technology Transitions Restrictions rule. This rule bans spray polyurethane foam (SPF) manufacturers from producing products that contain HFCs starting January 1, 2025, and bans SPFs from selling any products containing HFCs as of January 1, 2028.
Where does that leave SPF users? Thankfully, manufacturers introduced HFO formulas as an alternative in 2008. Over the years, HFO insulation has proven to be just as effective as HFC insulation, with added eco-friendly benefits.
Eco-Friendly Benefits of HFO
HFOs have become the formula of choice for SPFs and their customers. HFOs have a similar chemical makeup to HFCs; they both contain the same hydrogen, fluoride and carbon atoms. Unlike HFCs, HFOs have neither ozone-depleting properties nor a high Global Warming Potential (GWP).
HFO insulation is now the leading spray foam utilized by the professionals to reduce air leakage in common problem areas like attics and basements. HFO SPF insulation leads to energy savings, a lower reliance on fossil fuels, and savings on your energy bill.
Some SPF manufacturers like VersiFoam® provide HFO formulas that go above and beyond to improve the air quality of the area in which they are applied. VersiFoam insulation eliminates nearly all toxins, bacteria, mold and asthma-threatening elements from entering a home or building.
Another benefit of VersiFoam® HFO insulation is its eco-conscious design. Our insulation kits include an easy-to-use applicator that reduces waste, and the insulation is designed to be long lasting – this reduces the need to repurchase insulation and maintains the structural integrity of your building by keeping moisture and mold away for years to come.
As an incentive for SPF users to explore HFO insulation, VersiFoam® offers an energy tax credit for home and property owners up to 10% of the purchase price of qualified products for a maximum of $500 for all home improvements. You can find more information and apply on our Going Green page.
HFO at Versifoam
VersiFoam® has been innovating the spray foam insulation industry for over 40 years. Our dedication to innovation is what has led us to become a top provider of environmentally friendly HFO spray foam insulation. To learn more about the VersiFoam® HFO formula and place an order, find a dealer near you.
